Where Do Old Poems Go?
Where Do Old Poems Go?
by Alice Jane-Marie Massa
I need a poem to post on my blog:
my Wordwalk with Willow was too rainy for inspiration.
Or, was I just confused by the Muse?
Has this threshold between summer and autumn given me poetic hesitation?
Oh, where are those old poems–
the ones never posted, published, critiqued, or shared?
Some are in well-organized computer files;
some I could only find in moments of despair.
Also, I have ring-binders filled with brailled poems.
Then, there are the ones in large clasp envelopes.
Even older ones are in pocket folders on various book shelves.
Is that old poem in this drawer? Nope!
I do have hope to find those oldest of poems
in my four-drawer vertical file;
but I recorded some on audio cassettes, too.
Do you think those tapes will last for a while?
If only there had been talking computers in 1972,
I would not have hidden poems in each cranny and nook.
Where are those old poems? Just in my mind?
Would they be worthy for a collection in a book?
No! I am just in a state of seasonal disorder
and have an autumnal goal to rake those poetic leaves in order.
I merely want to read those old pages of poetry
for a semblance of poetic posterity.
Happy Autumn!
Happy debate-watching!
Alice and Willow
POST-SCRIPT: Although I am trying to avoid politics on this Wordwalk blog, I must add that on both radio and television today, I was delighted to hear at least seven times a commercial consisting only of a political poem in rhyming couplets. This former teacher of English, from the great writing state of Wisconsin, proudly casts her vote for … POETRY!
September 21, 2016, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Alice,
What a politically poetic post. Cast your ballot for the upstanding Willow girl. You can’t lose.
Have an amazingly autumnal day.
dp
Deon–Willow is making you an honorary member of her fan club!
Take good care–Alice and Willow
Alice–Since the title of your poem is a question, I have an answer for at least one “old” poem, “Lace Pieces.” Rainy weather has kept me out of the garden and forced me to organize some of my office space. One item I came across was a beautifully printed light green card with the poem about lace doilies lovingly crocheted and starched for family hope chests. There is no date, but the back of the card has a label which reads “Porch-Swing Poetry– Cards by Alice J. Massa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”
So it’s quite a coincidence that this card turned up yesterday, and when I read your post this morning, it made me very happy that I could reply with one answer to your question.–Sue
Sue–What a marvelous coincidence! Oh, I remember that “old poem” very well. Fortunately, it was written during my “Computer Age.” “Lace Pieces” was the first poem which I made into cards–thanks to a nearby photocopying shop. The short poem is also a part of my May 14, 2014 blog post entitled “Remembering Grandma Farm on the 122nd Anniversary of Her Birth,” which can still be read in the archives of this WORDWALK blog. Actually, this blog post containing “Lace Pieces” was one of my most read posts. Thanks for saving the card and commenting today.
Take good care–Alice and Willow
Dear Alice,
Your talent is amazing! I am sure that you have enough clever, heartfelt poems to fill more than one book, so keep up the search for those old poems and continue to create new ones. A published book of poetry is clearly in your future!
Love to you and Willow,
Mary
Alice, I posted an old poem on my blog a couple of days ago to commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day. You can read it at https://abbiescorner.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/a-losing-battle-a-poem/ .
Abbie–Although I had read on Wednesday your poem posted to commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day, I thank you for including your link to the poem in your comment so that my WORDWALK readers can read your fine poem from your archives of your own poetry. The understanding which you express in your poem confirms my belief that you must have been an outstanding music therapist at the nursing home where you used to work.
Thanks for sharing your “old poem”–Alice
Thank you, Alice, I like to think I made a difference in the lives of people I worked with at the nursing home.
I vote for poetry, too! Not enough of it in this world! Thanks, Alice! !
Hi, Paula–Thanks for your vote! I am always glad to read a comment from Maine.
Take care–Alice